What to Look for When Choosing Luxury Shower Curtains

There are two accepted methods of washing. Immersing yourself in a bath and wallowing for as long as you like, or having a shower. This latter option involves having a jet of water from a dedicated attachment or as part of your tap arrangement, cascading over you, and most importantly, allowing you to stand up, instead of having to lie down (like in a bath).

Generally, two types of enclosures for showers are used. Shower cubicles – a stand alone enclosure with a door that you can open and close that includes a shower tray to stand on that is the same shape as the enclosure. Or the other option which is shower units affixed to a wall, that are in line with the bath, with the idea being that you step into the bath, turn the shower on and stand underneath to wash.

When you get into the bath to have your shower, you will find that water comes off you at all angles – shoulders, head, knees etc. This can often make for a wet bathroom! The solution that has been in use for a long time to remedy this is the shower curtain.

Shower curtains are made out of plastic or material and drop from near to the ceiling (on their own dedicated curtain pole) down to below the bath lip. This way, all of the water that would normally be collected outside the bath is kept in it! It sounds so simple, yet, if you do not get it right, you could be looking at all sorts of repair bills for flooded floors, damage to the ceiling below, ruined carpet…

So what to look for when choosing a luxury shower curtain? Price will normally be a very good guide. Below a certain figure, only value curtains will be found – often opaque clear plastic. When you pay more, the quality will invariably be higher. Materials can range from man made such as polyester, rayon and vinyl to natural fabrics like cotton, jute and even silk (silk luxury fabric shower curtains are about as opulent as you can get!) The more natural and finer the fabric, the higher the price.

Fieldcrest Luxury Classic Hotel Shower Curtain

$34.99

India Rose ~ Luxury Pink Floral Indian Sari Print Shower Curtain 72×72

$64.99

Springmaid Estate Jacquard Luxury Shower Curtain with Liner 70×72″

$21.95

Red Poppy ~ Luxury Elegant India Floral Bathroom Shower Curtain 72×72

$64.99

Creative Bath Carlisle Khaki Shower Curtain

$17.00

Coventry Luxury Fabric Textured Woven Jaquard Shower Curtain Includes Vinyl Liner

$34.89

After this, decide what color or design you want. Luxury shower curtains are a lot like wallpaper – a large area that can be used to add color or pattern to an area, and create a design statement. A Victorian bathroom can benefit from a sheer white curtain to match the white porcelain and complement the rich wood tones of the furniture. A bright and splashy curtain can look good in a small modern bathroom, adding a sense of fun to the surroundings. As a rule of thumb, you do not want the curtain to stand out more than other elements in the room, unless you are happy having it stowed away at all times.

Something else to look for is durability. You pay more not only because the materials are such a step above lesser items, but also because their fabric lasts longer, the pattern does not fade when exposed to sunlight as quickly and ripping and tearing your pride and joy in the bathroom is not such a common occurrence.

There are many different brands and makes available: Balineum, DKNY, Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfiger and not forgetting Fieldcrest luxury shower curtains.

There are some things to remember and think about before you go out and get what you want.
Firstly, what style do you want? Remember, it needs to look like it is part of the bathroom, that way, it will complement the design, not detract from it.

Secondly, make your mind up about what fabric you want. The more delicate the material, the more you will have to pay.

Lastly, try to have a firm idea of what price you are willing to pay. This way, there will be no shocks when you explain what you paid, and your bank balance will thank you as well.

Now that you have an idea of what you want, it is time for the fun part. Go out shopping and good luck!

John Lewis Curtains: Give your Windows a Fashion Face Lift

Curtains help bring a home together with design and privacy. Quality curtains and blinds will shield the home from unwanted nosey neighbors, while compliments your home decor. John Lewis is a retail partnership in the UK providing quality home and garden goods, while giving your fashion in your home a facelift. The John Lewis official website offers a variety of made to order inventory including fashionable curtains and blinds

Many consumers have found when shopping for curtains that the perfect design do not come in the proper measurements. With John Lewis curtains, they offer curtains in all designs that are made to order in seven days or less. Their online designing tool allows you to follow step-by-step instructions to picking the right material, cut and size for your draperies. Aside from the made to order service, there is a stock of ready-made curtains and blinds to choose from as well as coordinating fittings.

The pencil pleat curtain is a popular design that features sewn in pleats similar to a pleated skirt. The pleated curtains come in a variety of colors and sizes that are pre-made. The natural color will compliment any set up with beiges and taupe where as the floral print will give your room a more traditional feel. They also come in the rod hanging design or ones that are suspended from eyelets. Choose between a cotton blended fabric or a more sheen appearance with polyester blends.

Eyelet curtains are great for adding a modern feel to any room. The eyelet Curtain comes in many patterns and colors. Most eyelet curtains will have metal holes at the top of the panel. This is where the curtain will be hung. Top off the window treatment with a matching iron or steel rod. This will give your home a sleek and contemporary feel that flows.

The voile panel will add a softness to any room, whether the kitchen or bathroom, and can be selected in several patterns such as plaid, lace, sheer or lace. These designs allow light to flow in while still providing desired privacy. They come in the previously mentioned pleated and eyelet designs for added fashion.

Aside from the aforementioned curtains, John Lewis blinds are great for the blackout effect with added style. From rollers to Venetian blinds, there is a treatment to meet your needs and coordinate with your home. The blind also comes in several prints that will compliment a children’s room, modern style living room or plain kitchen.

On top of all of these window treatments, you can select between several window accessories to add to your design. With panel tie backs, hold backs and pole kits, you can further your fashion face lift. Poles come in wood, steel, brass, chrome and acrylic. Just like the curtains, you can design your own pole from metal type, length and finials. With the proper accessories and panels, you will be satisfied with your window treatment choices.

After finishing with your window designs, you can continue on to the rest of the room. On their site, John Lewis will show you coordinating items such as decor pillows, lighting, accessories, furniture and area rugs. Coordinating the entire home will make you home inviting, welcoming, and a comfortable and appealing home for you to relax in. Amazingly, there are furnishings and decor to fit in any budget, and they will offer free shipping for order over 30.

So, for those of you looking to add flare to your home, consider reviewing the inventory John Lewis Partnership has to offer. Not only can you customize your blinds and curtains to be made to order, you can review buying tips and get ideas for the rest of your home as well.

The Look of Timeless Gingham Curtains

The charm of gingham curtains blowing lightly from an open window is an image that brings a sense of comfort. You may even imagine the smell of an apple pie cooling on a kitchen windowsill.

The material used for this iconic representation of simple cottage living is classified as a plain weave fabric. It is the most basic of the three main textile weaves, both durable and strong. The weft, or woof, thread is drawn alternately over and under the parallel threads, termed the warp. According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, gingham is a word derived from the Malaysian word “ginggang”, and the Dutch word “ginang”, both words which refer to stripes. The Portuguese were the first to establish a presence in what is now known as Malaysia, during the 1500′s. The Dutch followed soon thereafter, with exports to England beginning in the 1600′s. In addition, from the manufacturing hub of Manchester., England, the fabric made its way to the American Colonies. Textile production in the New World became established in what is now the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia, and the Virginias. The familiar checked pattern readily comes to mind when recalling homesteading pioneers.

Originally, gingham was a yarn-dyed cotton cloth woven in stripes, with blue and whites being the predominant colors. When it was imported into England, checks and plaids began to take precedence, although stripes were still popular through the end of the Victoria era, or around 1900. In the United States, checked gingham was very popular into the middle of the 20th century, and many a little girl’s bedroom today are decorated with pink gingham curtains.

The unique character of the original gingham fabric was derived from the materials from which it was woven, the patterns used, and the manner of dying. Cotton was the first fiber used, the pattern was striped, and only the warp, or parallel threads, were dyed. Each side therefore would have the same appearance, with no right or wrong side. The lightweight characteristics give balance to a deep color such as in red gingham curtains, which in turn lend a sense of warmth and home to the simplest of rooms.

Tadpoles Classics Set of 2 Gingham Rod Pocket Curtain Panels, Sage

$29.98

Tadpoles Classics Set of 2 Gingham Rod Pocket Curtain Panels, Blue

$24.96

Tadpoles Classics Set of 2 Gingham Rod Pocket Curtain Panels, Yellow

$29.99

Tadpoles Classics Set of 2 Gingham Rod Pocket Curtain Panels, Green

$24.96

Contemporary interpretations of gingham vary, as some purists believe it must be a cotton fabric, with the cotton woven after it is dyed. Almost universally, it will be defined as a check with one color and white, although stripes still do appear now and again. Pure cotton gingham wrinkles very easily, however.

Some gingham fabrics are treated with substances to resist wrinkles. Today’s manufacturers have also made gingham patterned fabrics using fibers blended with cotton or other synthetic fibers, and some prints are made using olefin. Olefin is sensitive to heat and therefore must be cared for in a different manner than the original cotton. It is washed and then line dried or dried on a low heat setting. It is a fabricated polymer and is used not only in clothing but also in carpet, upholstery, and ropes.

At country fairs, it is common to see a homemade jar of jam or jelly topped with a piece of gingham checked fabric tied with a bow. The well known female country comedian of the 20th century, Minnie Pearl, wore gingham dresses to typify true country style. Some bands of musicians are adopting the checked gingham pattern as a trademark.

You may be drawn to gingham checks because of happy memories of days gone by. Perhaps you are an environmentally conscious consumer who wants to use earth friendly cotton crops and plant based dyes. Hang a set of blue gingham curtains in your home, whether conventional cotton or easy care new blends. They can make you think of blooming daisies on the grayest of days.

Butterfly Curtains: Decorate Your Home With The Theme Of Butterflies

Decorating the family home is a very interesting task, especially if you use a butterfly curtain as a central theme. Butterflies are such peaceful insects and if anything is to go by they are an excellent way to bring an end to family disputes. So, if you are trying to choose a design to match nearly every single item of furniture in the home butterflies should be your first port of call. In more ways than one you will surely be able to incorporate a variety of furniture items to fill your home with this serene theme.

The curtains you choose must not be of the same color or design. Monotony is a meteorite in the world of home design and it can come plunging over you when you ignore the fundamental principle of monotonous variation. Monotonous variation is whereby you use a single theme, say animals, birds or flowers. However, just because the design is varied it gives the impression that there are a variety of different sides to the overall picture. To further clarify the point I will give an example of flowers. Have a Daffodil as the theme, but the daffodils can be imbedded in different background colors like sky blue, lime or white.

Generally, a butterfly shower curtain must at least have a lightly colored background, but of course, the choice is yours. However, be sure to use your chosen color as the overall theme in the bathroom. It would be extremely weird if you have lime colored butterfly shower curtains and have blue colored ones for the bathroom windows at the same time. Believe me; a little variation in this small section of the house can make a world of difference.

Pink and Purple Butterfly Window Treatment Panel – Set of 2

$39.99

Crayola Butterfly Tailored Curtain Set , Pastel (80×63 Inches)

$23.74

Butterfly shower curtains can be experimented with a lot further when you have a child in the home. By some mystical process butterflies tend to have an almost instant effect on children, especially infants over 6 months old. To keep them excited and co-operative have big butterfly designs. On top of this, you can also try to have butterflies of different colors and types just to spice things up. Now, let us go from the bedroom to everywhere else.

Butterfly designs should not just end in the bathroom but should go further than that. Personal experience might tell you otherwise but having a flat overlap of the bathroom thematic style helps avoid a situation where your butterfly design becomes too dull. What I mean is that you can still have the same theme, but slightly toned down. Take rugs and carpets for instance. You should at least have one household rug that contains a butterfly, or butterflies. Such a rug should at least be in an area of the home where such an addition will not be too obvious.

Nylon Butterfly Curtain Tieback – Purple Isabella

$4.95

Pink and Orange Butterfly Window Treatment Panels – Set of 2

$39.99

I do not know about your take on wallpaper but I think it can have butterflies as well. However, the wallpaper must not be too theme oriented. A few butterflies here and there will not kill you, and you will also be giving your home that welcoming feel that a large number of people still think is created independently of your home design.

This might seem absolutely insane but how about having butterflies for bed sheets and pillowcases? The sheets and pillowcases can be used on occasion to make them seem special, since your house will be washed up in butterflies by now. With that said, you can then proceed to walk into your home on a tragic Saturday morning. Everything might seem to be crashing down on you but the moment you waltz into the house you will feel so liberated you will wonder if God was in the room.

All You Need To Know About Brown Curtains

Decorating your home can be a very exciting endeavor especially if you have a lot of things you want to change around several areas such as the living space as well as the bedrooms. One of the best things you can consider is to put up brown curtains to make the place look a little more natural and Earthy.

Chocolate Brown Curtains Against White or Off White Walls and Floors

If you want to achieve a natural but classy look for your place that is otherwise a very plain area, you need to add a bit more personality to the mix. Brown goes well with a white or cream backdrop because the contrast is highly effective but not too overpowering.

Brown Shower Curtain for the Bathrooms

Most bathrooms, especially those that were built more than a decade ago are made with very basic white tiles. If yours look something quite similar to a hospital, you can change it by putting brown toned shower curtains to liven up the space.

Choosing Brown Curtain Designs

Just because you have a prominent color palate picked out does not necessarily mean that you have to settle for just one shade. The key to a successful transformation that really makes an impact is the melding of several elements that make up a wonderful ensemble.

For the living room and bedrooms, you might want to choose something that is more relaxing to look at, such as leaves or little flowers. The dominant color of the curtains will still be brown but then again you have to add more texture to the mix to make it more exciting.

Red goes well with brown so you might want to consider getting curtains that have red accents. Not only does red compliment brown fabrics but it also breaks the monotony, which you certainly do not want when you are trying to improve your home.

Cost

When it comes to the prices of curtains and drapes, you can save tons of money by many ways. Among the most important things to do is to look for sellers who offer the merchandise you need at an affordable price range. Mostly, the quality of the fabric as well as the design affects the price of the sets so you have the option of foregoing excellent quality in exchange for less expense.

The good news however, is that there are so many options out there that you can consider such as purchasing curtains or drapes online. This is becoming a widespread practice these days because people are more and more interested in choices as well as savings.

You can compare prices by visiting the top sellers on the Internet and decide which ones will look best for your own space.

How heavy should the fabric be?

The whole point of putting up curtains is to add more visual effect to your home space. However, you should also note that brown is quite a warm color so if you live in an area where it is often warm or sunny, you should consider getting light materials for the curtains.

On the other hand, if you live in a much colder place or if the central air-conditioning works all the time, putting up heavier drapes would be a better idea.

Play around with ideas before you buy

A common mistake that people make is when they immediately rush to the stores to shop without having a sense of what they really want to achieve in putting up curtains. Make certain that you first decide what you want the general feel to be before going out to buy new browns.

Go Bold With Lime Green Curtains!

For a splash of color in your home, lime green curtains are bright and eye-catching. They will refresh a dull, tired room and become an instant focal point. Any shade of green is a great complimentary color to a wide range of decors, and is particularly nice in springtime for a natural interior theme. Lime is one of the most vibrant green hues and gives a fun, modern look.

For your lime green curtains you can go to any number of department and haberdashery stores. The Internet is a great place to start as most retailers have an online store and offer good discounts all year round. If you spend a little time doing your research and comparing different types and prices of curtain, you will find something you are happy with for the best price.

Anna’s Linens (www.annaslinens.com) has a lovely Lichtenberg and Co sheer lime panel curtain with beaded tassels at the bottom of the valance, available in 63-inch length ($12.99) and 84-inch length ($14.99). They are a great price and are 100% polyester, which makes them machine washable.

Amazon (www.amazon.com) has a huge selection of lime curtains from different brands. The Target Eclipse Twill Thermaweave comes in two sizes – 52 by 63 inch and 52 by 84 inch – and has a black out design to keep out the light, making them ideal for kids’ bedrooms or anywhere you want additional privacy. One panel costs $24.98; most windows will require two panels.

For a baby or kid’s room, the JoJo Designs Lime Groovy Peace Sign Tie Dye Window Treatment Panels are quirky and fun and Amazon are selling them for $39.99 for a pack of two panels. They measure 42 by 84 inch and there are many matching accessories available such as lampshades, mobiles and wall decorations.

Perhaps it is your bathroom you are redecorating, or you just want to jazz it up with a couple of new accessories. A tropical theme is great in a bathroom and a lime green shower curtain will make the room look instantly fresher. Your bathroom will become so much more attractive and welcoming with a flash of bright color against your existing neutral decor.

The Target Carribean Coolers Shower Curtain in lime is available from Amazon for $29.99 and is a large (72 by 72 inch) curtain with a jewel tone, tie-dye effect. Because the fabric is reactive dyed, you can be sure of its durability and long lasting color.

For really adventurous lime green shower curtains, check out the Karin Maki Zebra Print Shower Curtain (at Amazon for $29.99). Its bold black and lime zebra stripes will really pop in your bathroom for a wild animal theme.

If you just want a touch of lime green on your shower curtains, there are many varieties available with multi-colored patterns, for example the Cosmo Vinyl Curtain ($16.99 at Amazon) which is patterned with lime green, hot pink, red, yellow and orange. The retro design and bright colors will lift your bathroom and you have many options for complimentary accessories, which you can change as your mood takes you. You may want to coordinate your tumbler, toothbrush holder etc with matching items from the range, or choose one of the colors for your accessories.

Ebay is also worth a look; they always have a wide selection of curtains in many colors, and if you are keen to bag yourself a bargain you can get bidding and see if you are lucky! As well as second hand items eBay sells many brand new items so you can end up with a great quality curtain for a discounted price.

Why Children Love Disney Princess Curtains

Children, particularly young girls, love the idea of being princesses. As they look for identity and approval, the concept of a young girl whisked away into a world of love and magic becomes quite alluring to their young minds. The Disney Princess line capitalizes on this sense of importance that youngsters look for in their developing lives. The reasons girls love to be associated with these products are many, ranging from base cosmetic beauty to further reaching effects on self esteem. Disney Princess Curtains offer many positive benefits in the edification of children.

Colors. Disney Princess Window Curtains come in a selection of colors that are consistent with female tastes and standards. Violet and pink are popular selections among this young demographic and appeal to a girl’s sense of beauty as a new world unfolds around her. Even though color schemes may not seem like an issue of major importance, they speak to a young girl and draw her in to the magical world of the imagination, giving her something with which she can identify and grow to love.

Feeds imagination. Products like Princess Disney Curtains extend a world the child has already grown to love and add to the possibilities. What may seem like basic room decoration is in reality a source for the youngster to create her own adventures and possibilities. Getting the child involved in the charade is essential to her understanding of how characters interact with one another, specifically in the real world courtesy the one of make believe.

Builds a sense of comfort. Surrounding your young lady with the emblems of her world gives her a sense of comfort when night comes and the lights go out. It is important to ease children into the world by providing them with familiar and comforting methods that give them the confidence to step out on their own and begin building a sense of independence.

Creates a positive self image. Associating a child with a level of importance such as that of a Disney Princess opens the world to possibilities. She begins to grow a positive self image as she sees and feels her own importance in your eyes. Creating connections through the imagination is important in getting her to understand that she can be anything or do anything that she sets her mind to. There may be failures and difficulties along the way, but as long as she believes in that sense of wonder, and you believe in her, products such as these can go a long way in creating a positive self image.

These are extension of family friendly entertainment. The world of entertainment is filled with options that are both positive and negative to a child’s upbringing. Disney has long been known for its willingness to provide families with entertainment that edifies the foundations of the entire family. Surrounding your child with products such as these creates an extension to a world of family friendly entertainment, offering you a way to exert positive influence in her choices as she grows older.

Disney Princess Curtains offer one small way of building up your child. Appealing to her on every level, these products offer cosmetic designs that are in touch with her preferences. They encourage her to imagine a world full of possibilities, where she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. They create a sense in her that she is able to accomplish any task. Prepare your princess for the moment in her life when she is ready to fly. Start early by giving her the fun and the influences that will edify her spirit and brighten her world.

Choosing The Right Curtain Styles For Your Home

Over the last decade or so, the amount of people choosing to renovate or remodel their existing homes, rather than move to a new, or larger property has increased drastically. This has been mainly linked with the current economic climate. The fact that times have been tough, and redundancy has been on the increase has inhibited many people from moving.

Everyone takes great pride in the way that their house looks and having the right curtain styles throughout your home is key in creating the right look for you. This goes for the look from the inside and from the outside of your abode. As most people will have curtains in almost every room, it is a very important decision when designing your home. Making the decision can be difficult, here is some guidance on how to choose the best curtain style.

Obviously, the color of curtain that you opt for is the main feature. This will define the look that the room has. If you choose a dark color, the room will feel smaller and gloomier. The lighter color that a curtains style has, the larger and more airy the room will feel. It is extremely important the color of the curtains matches all of the other room furnishings too. Be sure to take a sample of the curtains home so that you can check it against items like sofas, flooring and the paint on the walls to clarify that they will go well together. Colors that clash can completely ruin the final look of the room. Bear in mind that generally curtain styles that hold a solid color will give the best look. Patterned curtains styles can make for a busy look that again makes the room feel smaller.

The look of the curtain rails or rods can have a large bearing on the end look of the curtains. Obviously the standard curtain rail tends to come in white, these can be very effective. It all depends on the colors being used nearby. White is not always the way to go, you can add some extra flare to the room by adding decorative curtain rods. Be logical, for example if you have white walls then white rods are probably not the best option, they will have no effect on the final look, they will just blend in with the color of the walls. Ensure that the rods match the curtains, as well as the rest of the area that they are to be located in the home.

Browse Our Selection Of Curtain Styles

When searching for any purchase it is wise to shop around thoroughly before actually making your investment, especially if you are looking for curtains for more than one room. Bear in mind that some rooms require more color than others. If fitting curtains in a bathroom or kitchen it is probably best to go for something lighter and brighter. The amount of money that you are paying out can be large, particularly if you have a detached home with many windows.

Whichever of the many curtain styles that you are looking for, whether it is an open look or a full window cover, a good amount of research will enable you to locate the best deal. There are many home improvement stores in your geographic area that will offer great value and large selections. These are great as you will actually be able to see the curtains before you purchase them. The best deals do tend to be online though. As websites have less overhead, they are often able to offer lower prices.

How to Choose the Right Window Curtain

It is vitally important to choose the right curtains for your windows. No matter where in the house the windows are, if your curtains do not jive well with the style of window or if they do not jive well with the existing decor of the room, your room will not look near as nice as it could.

There are many different kinds and styles of curtains for windows and only look good on certain kinds of windows, such as bay windows, while others will look just fine on pretty much any window as long as they match with the room’s furniture. This is probably the first and foremost important thing to remember when you buy curtains. It is easy to see a beautiful style of curtains in your friend’s or relatives home and then decide to get that for your home. However, you will need to be careful that the color you buy your curtains in matches the color of your furniture, unless of course you are renting or buying a new home and have yet to furnish your room.

Another point to consider is the style you want the particular room to have. There are some types of curtains that are more modern and contemporary looking. These kinds of curtains are perfect if your room’s furniture is also modern and contemporary style. There are regal curtains that look like they would suit a palace and if you have the right furniture to go along with it then it is a hard combination to beat. These are great for large living room and dining room windows.

window curtainIf you appreciate natural lighting then getting opaque curtains, or semi see through curtains are great as they allow the natural light to flood into your living room while at the same time not allowing those who are outside to see in. These kinds of curtains go great with plantation shutters as well. One very artistic style of decoration is to put up good quality hardwood plantation shutters and then some nice light opaque curtains as they both highlight each other quite nicely. This style is good for the living room, dining room and bedroom windows as well.

Browse Our Selection Of Window Curtains

If you are looking for bathroom window curtains then make sure that the style and color matches well with the bathroom. Some people tend to not pay too much attention to the bathroom decor, which is a shame as the bathroom can be made to look quite beautiful with the right touch. Putting in the right bathroom lighting, – not the glaring bright neon lighting – is the first place to start in making the bathroom look beautiful. There is amber lighting and opal colored lighting; both are beautiful and will give the bathroom a soft, naturally lit look. Choose a color that will go well with the color of the tiles; if everything is white in your bathroom then either color will do just fine. You can then choose some cute looking, colorfully designed curtains or nice opaque curtains, depending on the look you want your bathroom to have.

Curtains are quite easy to purchase at any shop but you can also consider buying them online. Many online retailers will sell good quality curtains custom made to your specifications. It is vitally important, however, that you make doubly sure to measure your windows properly as curtains that are either too large or too small will detract from your room’s look. Online retailers do not give refunds for custom made curtains that you have ordered, make sure to give the exact right measurements when you are starting to order from them.

Designer Shower Curtains

The bathroom is often neglected when it comes to decorating your home. Many people see it as a room that doesn’t require that much attention, as it’s not somewhere you spend a lot of time. While it’s true that your time in the bathroom may be short, it is frequent, and you can be guaranteed that any guests you have over will use the room at some time during their stay. For this reason, it is worth a little effort to make the bathroom pleasing to the eye. One of the best and easiest ways to spruce up your tired old bathroom is with a set of designer shower curtains.

Curtain designers have recognised this need, and have come up with many varied designs in shower curtains. Not only that, but they have put a lot of thought and effort into creating shower curtains that match the rest of your decor. The effect can be striking if your shower curtain is designed to match things like your soap holders, towels, and even your wastebasket. Having these items match creates a real synergy in your room. You can take this one step further if you have a master bathroom ajoined to your bedroom, by creating a flow of styles. Not necessarily matching, but similar, so that the transition from one room to the other is visually smooth and appealing.

If you want something really different, something that will strike up conversations with guests every time, check out Izola’s range of shower curtains. You can have everything from a cityscape of Paris, France, to a map of the London underground hanging off your curtain rod. These shower curtains are bound to make a statement in any bathroom.

In the family oriented bathroom, you will probably want something less chic, and more fun. Kids are notorious for not wanting to get clean, and if you can make your bathroom a colorful and exciting place to be, then you are more likely to win the constant battle against grime. In fact, given the right environment, the bathroom can be turned into a childs favorite playing area, which gives you the chance to enjoy some extra moments in peace and quiet while they splash around. Some of the favorite designer curtains used for children include The Little Mermaid, Mickey Mouse and beach themes. If your kids are too old for that, you can even get Twilight themed curtains, although I don’t know how comfortable I’d be having Edward stare down at me as I shower…

Designer Beaded Curtains

For those of us that are old enough to remember the hippy era of the sixties, reflecting back on those times brings back memories of paisley fashions, tie died shirts and bell bottom jeans. Within the home, it also conjures up images of beaded curtains, which were prolific during those years. These days, the bell bottom jeans are nowhere to be seen, but the beaded curtains are really starting to come back into style, as people realise just what a beautiful and unique addition they can make to a room. In this day and age of cookie cutter designs, a bead curtain can really make your home unique and an attractive place to be.

These designer curtains can be used on any window that doesn’t need complete privacy. Using glass beads can be very effective on windows that have natural sunlight shining through them, as the sun catches the glass, it will refract, creating interesting and colorful displays in your room. If you need a modest amount of privacy, you could consider hanging them in front of a sheer curtain.

Windows aren’t the only place that you can use bead curtains, however, they are also very popular and effective hung on door frames. They are a great way of providing a screen to a room without actually shutting it completely off from the rest of the house. One great way to use them is in the doorway to your kids rooms. Kids love having a bit of privacy, but it’s not healthy for them to be locked away in their rooms all the time. A set of designer beaded curtains is the perfect way to keep everyone happy, a compromise between parent and child.

Sometimes there are areas in your house that you wish to keep away from prying eyes, for example broom closets or spare rooms full of junk. This style of curtain is an inexpensive way of covering up, and has been used for just that purpose in take away food shops, to separate the kitchen from the customers.

If you are going to have your beaaded curtains custom made, then there are a few things that you need to consider before placing your order. Color plays an important part in any interior decorating decision, think about the colors that are already in use in your home, and try and choose a color that matches your existing decor. Material is the other important factor. As mentioned previously, glass beads can be a great choice, but are by no means the only one. Wooden or bamboo beads can be used to great effect if you are trying to create a natural organic look in your home.

Kitchen Window Treatments

At some time in every homeowner’s life, there will come a time when they get bored with same old look in their kitchen. Each of us gets the redecorating bug at some time, and when it comes to the kitchen, one of the first things you are going to want to explore is kitchen window treatments. There is a large variety of different styles that you can use in the kitchen, but many people tend to overlook the simple fact that a kitchen window treatment is a collector of all sorts of grease, smoke and food spillages. Because of this, it is in your best interests to choose a window covering that is both easy to clean, and resistant to the build up of these elements.

Patterns are important when choosing any window treatment, but particularly so in the kitchen. Regardless of what style of kitchen you have, you will find that a visitor’s eye will always be drawn to the window, and it’s important that whatever curtain or blind you have in place either is going to tie in with the rest of your kitchen decor, or make a bold statement of its own. This will largely depend on both your own personal preference, and the other elements that you have in your kitchen. It will also depend in a large part on the view that you have outside your kitchen window. If you have a wonderful view of the backyard with rolling hills in the distance, then you are not going to want your window covering to take away from that view. In these cases you will want to go with something unobtrusive like a sheer curtain, or a net curtain. If, however, your window overlooks your neighbour’s brick wall, then you can be more inventive with your window treatment and make it a focal point, rather than the drab view outside.

kitchen window treatmentsOne thing that most home owners have in common is that their kitchen gets the most use first thing in the morning. For this reason, it is important that this room have a bright and cheery atmosphere, one that will get you off on the right foot to start your day. It’s actually quite astounding how such a simple thing can make such a difference to the outlook of your working day, but nevertheless it is a proven fact. For this reason, you want to make sure that your curtains are a cheery inviting color. One of the most popular colors to use when it comes to window treatments for the kitchen is yellow. It has been proven that the color yellow stimulates brain patterns and gives the subject a brighter cheerier outlook. That said, it is just as important to try and utilise natural sunlight as much as possible, so try and get curtains that can be easily open and closed when needed.

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One style of curtain that is all the rage is the cafe curtain. Originally these curtains where designed for the hospitality industry, cafes and restaurants, and allowed the patrons a moderate amount of privacy while still allowing the light to come through into the dining area. These curtains only cover a quarter or a half of the window, and if privacy is your concern, then a cafe curtain by itself is not going to be enough. You can, however, still benefit from the charm of a cafe curtain and give yourself the privacy you desire by installing a second layer of curtain, such as a single or double panel curtain, giving you the best of both worlds.

Kitchen bay window treatments are a little trickier, simply because of the odd size and shape of your average bay window. Many people love the simplicity of mini blinds installed in a bay window, and they certainly give you a lot more flexibility than a large single panel curtain. A mini blind, or venetian blind, installed on each of the window panels on your bay window will allow you the option of opening and closing individual panels as desired. You would be surprised at how inexpensive this option is for a bay window, and how much it can enhance the overall look of your kitchen.

Whether it’s a modern window treatment you are after, or a more traditional look that oozes country charm, you are sure to find whatever you are looking for if you do some research online. There are so many Internet window treatment stores around now, all competing for your business, that there is no better place to pick up a bargain, and nowhere else that you will find such a large variety of different sizes, styles and patterns to choose from.

Silk Curtains – Luxurious Elegance

Silk is one of the oldest and most natural fibres used by man. It has been in use for literally thousands of years and is loved the world over for its luxurious feel and its delicacy. The material is made from the fine threads found in the cocoon of the silkworm, and these are usually bred in captivity and harvested for the best result. When a moth emerges from its cocoon, it will rip the cocoon open, tearing the fine threads that make it up in the process. This makes it harder to produce a fine silk, so farmers will usually dip the cocoons in hot water to kill the larvae and keep the cocoon intact. This may seem a little unsavoury to some of you, but this is, nevertheless, how the best silk is made.

Silk has a long history of being a luxurious fibre, used by royalty and the wealthy throughout time. Archaeologists have found fragments of the material on mummy’s from ancient Egyptian tombs, and the Chinese have been using this fabric since the beginning of their recorded history as well. Myth has it that a Chinese princess was out in the courtyard one day, drinking green tea, when a cocoon landed in her cup. When she took it out, she found that the cocoon was made up of hundreds of fine threads, and instructed her seamstress to create a piece of clothing out of it. As it turns out, silk is a wonderful material to use for clothing, as it has a natural ability to keep the wearer cool when it’s hot and warm during the cold. It’s these same insulating properties that kept the larvae safe in their cocoons as they were developing during the winter.

silk curtainsClothing isn’t the only use for silk, of course. Silk curtains are considered to be one of the finest types of curtains you can use. The appearance of a good silk curtain can turn a fairly ordinary room into one that feels luxurious and romantic, it really is considered a grand home decoration. The curtains will shine and shimmer in the changing light of the day. They are light weight, so they will not take away from the decor of your room, and the look of a quality silk curtain will change as the sun moves through the sky. One problem people find with silk is that it is extremely delicate by nature, so it takes a little bit more care than a normal cotton curtain would. Silk will quite easily fade, and even rot, if it is exposed to too much sunlight, so it is important that you have a second layer between your silk curtain and the window. Some people like to use shutters or blinds to alleviate this problem, but if you would prefer a simpler, less expensive solution, you could simply hang a sheer curtain behind the silk one. This gives the added benefit of depth to your window. Having your silk curtains tied back and exposing a sheer or lace curtain underneath can be a great look in your bedroom.

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There are three main grades of silk, each one a little bit more expensive than the last. The first is the low grade silk, which is usually made from cocoons that have been damaged in some way, causing the threads to be shorter than usual. This grade of silk will not have the luxurious texture of a higher quality silk, it actually looks and feels more like cotton. The next step up from that is wild silk. This style is of a higher quality, but tends to come out a grey color, rather than the rich luxurious pearly whites that people love. For this reason, many manufacturers will treat wild silk with chemicals that dye the fabric to make it look more like the real thing. The best is the high grade mulberry silk. It is easily identified by its softness and elegance, and is the most expensive of the three. Some people who really want the look of silk curtains but cannot afford the price, will settle for something that is manufactured to look like silk, but ius in fact synthetic. Faux silk curtains will not live up to the real thing though, and you will ultimately end up being disappointed with your choice.

You will find a large variety of curtain styles that you can choose from in this fabric. Taffeta and plaid are very popular, as are beaded and embroidered. The most popular style of them all, however, is Dupioni silk curtains, which are created by weaving two different colors of silk together. The way the light plays off this type of curtain is just amazing, and can make any room come alive.

Nursery Curtains – For Your Bundle of Joy

There is nothing more exciting for a couple than the anticipation of a new arrival into the family. You become a jumbled mess of joy, apprehension, anticipation and fear. Constant questions run around your head about your new responsibility. Will you be up for the challenge? Will you make e a good Mum or Dad? Are you properly prepared? There are so many things that you need to get ready, that it can be difficult to know where to start. By far the place that receives the most attention before the arrival of this much anticipated little visitor is the nursery. This is the place that you new baby will be spending the majority of the first few months of their life, so it’s only natural to want to make it as comfortable as possible.

Most people start with a theme in their head of how they would like the nursery to look in their heads, and then go out and search for items that match that vision. Parents that know the sex of their child will have a much easier time, as they can color code their nursery to match, the old traditional pink curtains for the girls and blue curtains for the boys works every time. There are some rare occasions where the doctor gets it wrong, and this sends parents on a frantic effort to return and replace items. The obvious way around this problem is to not color code your nursery depending on your child’s gender, but rather find a color scheme that would match either sex.

nursery curtainsCreating a common theme in your nursery is of great benefit to the development of your child. Familiarity and routine are important aspects to foster in a babys first few months, and a uniform approach to the design of your nursery will certainly help in this respect. Colors are also an important thing to consider. Most doctors will tell you that stimulating your child with bright colors and interesting shapes will greatly assist their brain activity. You definitely don’t want to be putting your newborn child in a drab dreary room to start their lives. A set of bright nursery curtains on the windows can be a great way of creating the right kind of atmosphere for their development.

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Your baby is going to be spending a lot of time in the nursery for the first few months of its life. Newborn babys love to sleep, and they need a lot more sleep than you or I do. For this reason, it is important that you think carefully about the amount of light that comes through the nursery window and find a way of minimising the glare and heat coming in. If you have a lot of sunlight coming in, then it may be worth your while to get blackout curtains for your nursery. These curtains are specially lined to keep all the sunlight out, and also assist in keeping the room cool. You needn’t be concerned about ruining the look of your nursery, blackout curtains can be every bit as bright and cheery as normal curtains. They are very popular as nursery curtains, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a large range to choose from.

Another important thing to consider when choosing curtains for nursery use is the safety aspect. Now, many people don’t even think about safety when it comes to curtains, and for the first few months of your child’s life they are not going to be getting up to a lot of mischief. It won’t take long, however, before they are scrambling all over furniture and trying to climb up the walls, and it’s at this stage that you really need to be sure that everything is safe and secure. That said, if you have the choice, why not get the safety aspect right to begin with, and then you don’t need to worry about changing everything when your baby becomes mobile? As far as baby nursery curtains are concerned, you need to be extra careful about cords dangling down from the curtains. There have been many shocking accidents that have occurred because blind cords were within reach of little children. If your nursery curtains must have cords, make sure they are placed in such a way that adults can reach them and children can’t. Also make sure that there is no furniture placed nearby that the child can climb up on

Door Curtains – Functionality, Aesthetics and Spirituality

In the world of curtains, windows reign supreme, but many people may not know that there are quite a few options available in the way of curtains for your doors as well. There are a few common styles of doors that are found in your average home. There is, of course, the solid front door that is a standard panel of solid wood, but there are also French doors that have glass panels or slats in them, and big glass sliding doors that are commonly used as entrance ways to patios and the like. Each one of these doors have different needs as far as coverings are concerned, and there are likewise a few different styles of curtains that can be used.

For your solid doors, there is obviously no need to cover them. The door itself provides all the privacy and protection that is needed. There are, however, times when you like to have the door left open. For example, during those hot summer nights when the house gets stuffy, you want to be able to let as much breeze into your home as possible. One option is to have a screen door that will provide a barrier against insects and other intruders, but many people feel that this takes away from the look of your home. The alternative is to have a beaded door curtain installed on the outside of the door. We have discussed beaded curtains previously, and how they can be a tremendous addition to your door, giving a moderate barrier to pests while keeping the breeze flowing through the house. door curtainsThe most popular materials used for this style of curtain are wood and bamboo, and a popular style is curtains that create pictures or patterns, creating the illusion of a solid curtain. This style is great for kid’s rooms, as you can allow your children to pick a style that suits their individual personality. Beaded door curtains can easily be made as well, and make a great craft project for the kids to get involved in during school holidays.

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For doors with glass panels in them, such as French doors, a more solid curtain is usually used. One of the most popular styles of French door curtains is the sheer curtain. This style ties in well with the classic romantic style of the French door, and creates a soft cover to the hard lines of the wood underneath. In these cases, the curtain is attached to the actual door, usually by way of wire attached at the top and bottom of the frame. Quite often the curtains will be tied in the middle, creating an hourglass figure that allows a moderate amount of sunlight in.

And then there are the bigger, sliding glass doors. The most popular curtain to use on these doors is usually ones that work on the same principle as window curtains. They are usually a single panel of material, attached to a curtain rod, and opened by rings or eyelets running along the top of the material. Vertical blinds are the most popular style of covering for these types of doors, but some people do prefer the soft and classic look of a curtain.

People al over the world use door curtains, but they are most loved in Japan, where it not only functionality and aesthetics that come into play, but spirituality as well. The Japanese word for the door curtain is “Noren”, and many believe that a well placed door curtain can add prosperity and luck to your home. People that follow the ideas of feng shui will know that the doorway acts as an entrance way to both good and bad energies, and the right style of door curtain can help to funnel the good energy in, while keeping the bad at bay.

Designer Curtains – Custom Made for You

Although there are a huge range of ready made curtains available both online at at local window treatment stores, there are times when you have a clear picture of what you want your room to look like, and just cannot find the curtains solution that suits that vision. It is at this time that most people will turn to designer curtains and get something custom made that suits their needs.

There is no argument that choosing designer curtains for your home is going to cost you a whole lot more than something that you can buy off the shelf. It is definitely a commitment as far as finances are concerned, but you know you are going to end up with something that matches your decor, has been made specifically to your instructions, and will add value to you home. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that your home has been set up exactly as you want it to be, it gives you a real sense of accomplishment and makes you feel much more relaxed.

Designer curtains carry with them a sophistication and elegance that are quite noticeable when compared to the curtain designs that are usually bought off the shelf. designer curtainsYou will benefit from having a one of a kind item, something that no one else in the world has, and this makes your home all the more interesting and unique. Visitors will be drawn to items that they haven’t seen before, and you will have the joy of knowing that they are not going to see that exact curtain anywhere else.

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There are many different fabrics used in window curtain design, and when you make the choice to have yours custom made, you will find that you open up a whole new range of choices. If you are trying to achieve a lush rich look in your room, then you could decide to have your curtains made from a thick velvet or a soft and enticing wool. If you have something more light and airy in mind, then you can use cottons or sheer fabrics to create that look. You could also decide to use the unique style of damask, or the more traditional lace curtains. Whatever is your favorite fabric, you have infinite choice when getting them custom designed.

As well as maximum choice in fabrics, you also are able to choose from one of the many styles that are used throughout the world. If you love the contemporary look of the eyelet curtain, then this is definitely a style that you could have designed for you. Eyelet curtains are great, because you do not have to make any additional hardware choices, as the rings are sewn directly into the curtain itself, and they hang much better than curtains with rings. We shouldn’t discount curtain rings completely though, as they are sometimes the perfect choice for certain rooms, and having your curtain specially designed for you gives you the added benefit of choosing your own rings that will finish the look you are trying to achieve/ There are a huge number of ornate and decortaive curtains rungs to choose from, and you can have a lot of fun mixing and matching designs.

The living room and bedroom aren’t the only place that you can get custom made curtains for. Many businesses offer designer shower curtains and kitchen curtains that will make a huge difference in these rooms as well. On top of that, you can get all the trimmings to match, including tie backs, curtain rods, valances and cornices.

When choosing a business to create your vision, make sure that their seamstresses have an adequate number of years experience in the field. They should be capable of creating whatever style you end up throwing at them without any issues. Most places that offer a range of designer curtain options will also back up their products with some sort of guarantee, and when you are spending that type of money, you want to make sure that you are covered in case anything does go wrong.

Bay Window Treatments – Give Your Bay Window A Treat

One of the most drastic ways that you can change a room is to add a bay window to it. The transformation that occurs in a room that has had a bay window installed is incredible. This is especially true if the room is boxed in and doesn’t see a lot of light. I have seen room go from being literally a box, to a wide open expense with the addition of a bay window, and although it is a fairly expensive operation, it is almost as good as redoing the whole room. For those that haven’t had any exposure to this wonderful style of window, a bay window is a special design that actually juts out from your wall, creating a curved opening that extends outside your house. Usually these windows are separated into three or more sections, each section covered in glass to allow ample light to come three. The end result is a three dimensional masterpiece that creates a feeling of brightness and openness in even the most dull room.

Bay windows are by far the most popular in the kitchen. I think the reason for this is that people prefer for their kitchen to be cheery and bright, open and inviting. When you first get up in the morning, the kitchen is where you get prepared for the day ahead. It’s the place were the family greet each other good morning, and if you can create an inviting friendly atmosphere, then you are going to start your day off in a much better mood. A bay window in your kitchen will really help you to create this effect. Of course, the use of bay windows is not only limited to the kitchen. bay window treatmentsMany people have bay windows installed in their living rooms as well. The added benefit of having a bay window in a living room or bedroom is that you can have more access to it, and install it closer to the floor of the house. The benefit of this is that you can then have a small sofa installed into the actual bay window, making a romantic nook for you to sit in and watch the world outside. If you make a sofa built for two, then you and your partner can sit by your bay window on those rainy days and enjoy each others company. What could possibly be more romantic than that?

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There are a few different styles to choose from when it comes to window treatments for bay windows. The main decision you need to make is whether you prefer the look of a curtain, or the functionality afforded by blinds. Either will look great in a bay window, but both have their good sides and bad sides. While a sheer curtain can look fantastic in this kind of window, it doesn’t allow you much privacy. Of course, most people prefer their bay windows to be open as much as possible, but there are times when you need to shut out the neighbours or passers by, and sheer curtains are not going to do much in this case. An alternative is to still have your sheer curtains up, but install a second layer of curtain that is used for complete privacy. This setup can look great in a bay window if you use some decorative tiebacks for your main curtain. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Another way that you can enhance this style of bay window treatment is to add a valance or cornice to further accentuate the lines of the window.

Although curtains are great, blinds for bay windows are much more popular, and with good reason. The best thing about using blinds is that it gives you a lot more control. You are able to choose which windows should be exposed, and which should be covered, and this can be extremely important during summer when the sun is shining through one side of your window and not the other. The most popular styles of blinds are romans, venetians, rollers and pleated. In my opinion, pleated blinds are the best type of bay window treatment, as their horizontal lines really add another dimension to the already linear feel of the window. Pleated blinds are even more versatile than the others, as they can usually be open from the top down, or from the bottom up, allowing you maximum control over the light coming into your home.

As great as it is to talk about and ready about these styles, nothing beats having a look at actual examples. If you are looking for bay window treatment ideas, then my suggestion would be to use Google’s image search to get a good idea of what’s available, and start forming an opinion of what you like and what you don’t. That way, when it comes time to decide, you will have a much better idea of which way to go.

Made to Measure Curtains – When Off the Shelf Just Won’t Do

We all know the usual reasons why people decide they need curtains on their windows. The most common reason is to block out the light. Sunlight is very healthy for you, in moderation, and you should definitely make sure that your body is getting enough of it, but when you’re in your home, and the sun is shining right through the window, it can be hard to concentrate. Of course, with the light of the sun comes the heat, and this is another reason people need curtains. In some places the heat can be unbearable through an uncovered window.

Unfortunately, for many people, the task of covering your windows is made harder by the fact that they are not a standard size or shape. If this is the case, then you are probably going to have to look at made to measure curtains, rather than buying straight off the shelf. Going this route is going to end up costing you more money, but unless you are able to make your own, there really is no other alternative. If you are spending that amount of money, you want to make sure that you are getting it right, as there is nothing worse than getting a made to measure curtain, only to find that there are gaps that let the sunlight through, or that the color you chose doesn’t match your decor.

made to measure curtainsTo help alleviate this problem, you are going to want to make sure that you measure the size of your window properly. Many professionals recommend that you measure in three different places, both horizontally and vertically. So you would measure from above the top of the window frame to a couple of inches off the floor, on the left side, the right side, and right down the middle. You may be surprised that these measurements differ from each other, as quite often a house will shift over time, causing your windows to not be square. Likewise, you need to measure from left to right, keeping in mind that the curtains should cover not just the window, but a few inches either side.

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Many people, when measuring their window for curtains, totally forget about the gather in their curtains. Unless you want a totally flat curtain against your window, you are going to need to add more material to allow it to gather together and give it fullness. The rule of thumb is to multiply the width of your window covering by 1.5 or 2.

Another reason people need curtains is for simple privacy. For many of us, home is somewhere we don’t get to spend enough time in. We spend the majority of our days running around trying to get work done and interacting with all sorts of people. When we get home, it’s our only chance to shut all that hustle and bustle out and concentrate on enjoying silence and a bit of alone time. When you are in your home, you don’t want passers by looking through your window to see what you’re up to. If you live next to a busy path or road, this is particularly a problem. Unfortunately many of us live way too close to our neighbours as well, and in many cases you can look out one window and into another just a few meters away.

If it’s just the privacy aspect that is a concern, then your options are fairly open as to what type of curtain you get. If, however, you need to block out that light and heat, then you will probably want to get fabric that is lined with blackout or thermal material to give it more protection. Although this is an added expense to an already costly process, in the long run it will be well worth your while to get something that is going to do the best job possible. There’s nothing worse than getting cheap made to measure curtains, only to find that they don’t give you the level of protection you were after.

Blinds Shades and Curtains – Revisited

In a previous post – Shades Blinds and Shutters – A Brief Rundown we gave a brief overview of some of the different types of blinds shades and shutters that are available. Soon after that post I received some emails from people that said that I hadn’t included their favorites. As you can imagine, there is such a huge range out there that I was bound to miss a few, so I’m following that post up with this one, and including a few glaring omissions, and some all time favorite styles of mine, and fellow readers.

Roman Blinds – The roman blind is a classic style that is popular amongst people who want a traditional look in their home, while still benefitting from the functionality of a blind. They are basically a length of fabric with dowels attached horizontally at regular intervals. What this does is allow the blind to fold up under itself when it’s raised, while laying flat on your window when it’s down.

Pleated Shades – Pleated shades are a newer style of window covering, very popular in a contemporary setting. Unlike a roman blind, these blinds are raised at regular intervals, creating a corrugated effect. Out of all the blinds & shades available, these blinds are one of the most effective for insulation purposes in your home. When raised they will fold up will neatly along the top of the window, barely noticeable, allowing you an uninterrupted view outside.

blinds shades 2Vertical Blinds – Verticals are used predominately on large windows, and sliding glass doors. They are made up of individual slats that hang vertically down the length of your window or door. Like pleated blinds, they will fold up against one corner of your door, completely out of the way when not needed.

Roll Up Blinds – One of the cheapest styles available, many people discount them thinking that cheap means not so functional. The truth is that these blinds are quite handy in the right setting. They will roll up around a tube at the top, and are raised and lowered using a spring mechanism, meaning no messy cords hanging down the side.

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Sheer Curtains – A beautiful selection for places like your kitchen or as a backing to a larger curtain in your living room. Sheer curtains are translucent, and create a wonderful light diffusion in your home, protecting your furniture from harmful UV rays, while still allowing the room to remain bright and cheery.

Aluminium Blinds – Usually used in patios or sunrooms, blinds made from aluminum make a great privacy shade, as they are completely solid, made up of individual slats of alumimum that neatly fit into each other. Perfect for the outdoor or semi outdoor setting, as they will be able to withstand the harsh elements.

Cafe Curtains – Cafe curtains originated in cafes and restaurants (hence the name), and were designed to give the patrons privacy while still allowing a country charm. Nowadays they are predominant in kitchens, as they lend themselves well to the ambiance of that room, giving it an open and inviting atmosphere.

Blackout Blinds – I don’t know how I missed this style in my last post, as out of all the blinds out there, blackout blinds serve one particular purpose; to keep as much light out of a room as possible. Usually lined with a special blackout material, these blinds are perfect for bedrooms that see lots of light and home cinema setups.

Conservatory Roof Blinds – If you are lucky enough to own a conservatory, then you will know what a multi purpose space they can give you and your family. The only problem is that there are many windows to be covered, and they are quite often in odd places and of odd shapes. Conservatory roof blinds come to the rescue, with the versatility of fitting almost any shaped window you need.

Once again, I’m sure there are more that haven’t been covered, and if I’ve yet again missed some of your favorite blinds and shades, feel free to let me know. I may even make this an ongoing series, with the aim of giving people a brief overview of each style. If you need more information about any of the above, you are sure to find more by using the search function available in the sidebar.

Curtains and Blinds – Which One To Choose?

I’m just as guilty as anyone else of over analysing a problem, tossing all the advantages and disadvantages of things over in my mind until I get so caught up in the whole process that I forget why I was trying to decide in the first place. I’m also guilty of rambling on about curtains and blinds on this website without really giving you any indication as to which solution is best for any given situation. I’d like to try and alleviate that a little, and hopefully make your decision a little easier by laying down some black and white facts about these two choices. You may notice that I haven’t included shutters in this post, and the reason is that shutters differ a little from curtain and blinds. Shutters are an option on their own, and are useful for reasons that other window coverings aren’t.

Let’s start with curtains. Curtains usually consist of one or two lengths of material hung on a rod that sits horizontally over the top of a window, or door. They are almost always made of some sort of material, with the noticeable exception of beaded curtains and bamboo curtains. Their main aim is to give you privacy in your home, by blocking out the view into your house from outside. The added benefit of curtains, indeed the main reason that many people choose this style of window treatment, is their look. The soft flowing material of a curtain can really enhance a room, and adds a character that just can’t be matched by the hard lines of a blind. Because curtains are considered such an aesthetic window covering, they have been embellished throughout the years with all sorts of trimmings and additions. For example, valances, cornices, lace trimmings and tie backs have all become an overall part of the look that makes up a curtain. In the majority of cases, the curtain has become the focal point of the room.

curtains and blinds 1Blinds, on the other hand, are considered to be a whole lot more functional. Although many people do consider the blind to be an attractive window treatment, more people admire them for their functions rather than their looks. One of the main benefits of a blind is it’s ability to control light that comes into your home. A curtain is either open, or it’s closed. It’s either keeping that direct sunlight out of your home, or it’s not. Because many blinds have slats in them, they allow the homeowner to adjust these slats to whatever position gives the best diffusion of light in their room, and they can keep changing it throughout the day, as the sun moves and the light changes. The other big benefit of the blind is that it is a great insulator. Although you can get curtains with thermal lining, they are never going to be as good at keeping the heat (or winter cold) out of your home as a snug fitting honeycomb blind can.

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So in conclusion, the choice between curtains and blinds really comes down to a choice between aesthetics and functionality, to a certain extent. It also depends on what your personal tastes are. Just because the majority of people prefer the look of curtains, that doesn’t mean that everybody does. If you prefer the look of a particular type of blind, then your choice is going to be a whole lot easier, otherwise you are just going to have to base your choice on variables such as your local climate, the aspect of the window you are covering and your budget. That said, there are bargains to be had with either style. If you look hard enough for cheap curtains and blinds online, you will find them. Many online stores also offer free shipping and money back guarantees on their items, so it’s worth doing a bit of shopping around.